POLITICS

CIARA × RUSSELL – WNYF

On Saturday, the Why Not You Foundation (WNYF) and College Success Foundation (CSF) hosted an unforgettable evening to celebrate scholars, demonstrate the impact of education, and ensure students have the support, mentoring and services necessary to achieve their dreams. The Dream Big: Anything Is Possible event brought together an intimate group of thought leaders from the Seattle community to connect and discuss topics ranging from the challenges underserved students experience to the future of education. The event took place at The Boathouse on the shores of Lake Union and was hosted by WNYF’s Russell Wilson and Ciara and presented by HomeStreet Bank. Funds raised at the event will benefit the Why Not You Academy and College Success Foundation college-access and success programs.

The Dream Big: Anything is Possible initiative was created by the Why Not You Foundation in 2018 as a platform to inspire and drive change for youth in Washington’s diverse communities. Since its launch, the initiative has engaged and supported hundreds of students with programs and scholarships, and welcomed the first students to the Why Not You Academy.

“We were honored to co-host this special evening celebrating the Why Not You Foundation’s partnership with College Success Foundation and the transformative opportunities we’ve been able to provide to students together,” said WNYF’s co-founders Russell Wilson and Ciara. “It’s enduring partnerships like this that have enabled the WNYF to grow deep roots in the Seattle community which will continue to prosper and impact many more people for years to come. Seattle has a special place in our hearts and will forever be a place we call home.”

This ongoing partnership with College Success Foundation is just one example of WNYF’s sustained commitment to the Seattle community where it was founded in 2014. In just eight years they have helped raise over $10M for pediatric cancer research with Safeway Albertsons, opened the Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free charter school, and have inspired countless young people to realize their true potential and pursue their dreams. Alongside co-founders Russell Wilson and Ciara, the Why Not You Foundation will continue to work closely with its partners to strengthen the Seattle community and beyond.

“We are appreciative of Russell and Ciara’s dedication to supporting important education initiatives in Seattle,” said College Success Foundation’s President & CEO James Dorsey. “We prepare CSF Scholars with the academic, financial, social and emotional support they need to be successful in life, beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, college and beyond,” “We’re proud of the more than 11,600 CSF Scholars – and counting – who have graduated from college.”

Despite the extreme challenges facing underserved, low-income students, CSF educational attainment rates remain ahead of national benchmarks in all areas. To combat pandemic-created challenges, College Success Foundation is expanding this year to serve even more students in high school and college through the Rally for College initiative.

About Why Not You Foundation:

Founded in 2014, Russell Wilson and Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty through education, empowering youth to lead with a why not you attitude. The foundation supports student access to equal education opportunities, children’s health and food security initiatives. Its mission is to equip today’s youth with the skills and opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders. In Fall 2020, the foundation announced its first Why Not You Academy, a school that blends real-world applications with classroom learning. Learn more at www.whynotyoufdn.org.

About College Success Foundation:

College Success Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides a unique integrated system of supports and scholarships to inspire underserved, low-income students to finish high school, graduate from college and succeed in life. CSF serves students in public high schools and college campuses throughout Washington state and the District of Columbia. Learn more at collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Featured Photo: from left: Why Not You Foundation co-founder Russell Wilson, Why Not You Academy student Trinity, and Why Not You Foundation co-founder Ciara pose together at the Dream Big: Anything is Possible dinner on May 21, 2022 in Seattle. (Photo by Stephanie Cristalli)

RuPaul’s All Stars

Ahead of the highly anticipated seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, the cast of all-winners took to the streets of New York City for a sickening week of fun events as iconic as the new season.

Jaida Essence Hall, Jinkx Monsoon, Monét X Change, Raja, Shea Couleé, Trinity The Tuck, Yvie Oddly and The Vivienne turned heads all over the city from the top of the Empire State Building to ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ and attending an iconic window display ruveal at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 took the competition to new heights on Monday, May 9 when they visited the iconic Empire State Building ahead of the season premiere. The queens were joined by Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, for a celebratory lighting ceremony. PARAMOUNT GLOBAL (Nasdaq: PARA), too, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on Tuesday, May 10th to have the cast ring the Opening Bell to open the markets.

In a first of its kind celebration in support of the iconic all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, a special event, too, was hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue, ruvealing exclusive window displays uniquely inspired by the season 7 queens. Each queen was on display in their custom designed window for the grand ruveal before walking the red carpet for photos and interviews. Check out each window below.

Finally, on May 10 in celebration of the upcoming all-winners season, an exclusive outdoor premiere screening event and panel discussion was hosted by resident judge Michelle Visage with each of the queens. They enjoyed the first episode under the stars, and then each queen discussed what it was like to join such a powerhouse cast and teased what viewers can expect with the season.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 premieres Friday, May 20th, exclusively on Paramount+.

Photo: Luis Guillen for Saks Fifth Avenue

MARVEL PRIDE CELEBRATION

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Marvel Comics will celebrate Pride Month with a new giant-sized one-shot spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators and characters! A queer-centered anthology brought together by an amazing lineup of writers and artists from all walks of life, MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 will feature eight extraordinary adventures, an introduction by Vice President of Television at Bad Robot Productions Alex Phillips, and more!

From uplifting to thrilling, this diverse collection of stories take place all throughout the Marvel Universe and celebrate the themes and joy of Pride Month. And today, fans can get a first look at each one!

· In last year’s MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE, Steve Orlando and Luciano Vecchio introduced the dreamy mutant hero SOMNUS, who now stars in the ongoing X-Men series MARAUDERS! New York Times-bestselling author Charlie Jane Anders and artist duo and Eisner-nominated cartoonists Ro Stein and Ted Brandt continues this tradition with the debut of ESCAPADE! Readers will meet this all-new trans mutant super hero in a 20-page adventure that will introduce her career as a super thief and set the stage for her exciting future.

· Valkyrie Rúna puts on the first ever Asgard Pride celebration in television writer and podcaster Ira Madison III and artist Lorenzo Susi Marvel Comics debut.

· Shuster and Eisner-winning writer Andrew Wheeler makes his Marvel debut alongside PATSY WALKER artist Brittney L. Williams in an action-packed story about Marvel’s newest power couple-Hercules and Marvel Boy!

· Rev up your engines for a heart-bending story across space and time in a Moondragon story by IRON MAN scribe and lauded TV showrunner Christopher Cantwell and artist Kei Zama.

· Nebula, World Fantasy, and Locus-award winner Alyssa Wong and fan-favorite artist Stephen Byrne reunite the Young Avengers in a story guaranteed to please fans new and old! Byrne will also depict the team in one of the issue’s variant covers!

· Comedy writer Grace Freud (Rick and Morty, the Eric Andre Show) brings her talents to Marvel with a story about the power of responsibility featuring the Marvel Universe’s favorite gay ginger, D-Man! She’s joined by Eisner-nominated artist Scott B. Henderson in his first work for Marvel!

· And writer Danny Lore and artist Lucas Werneck revisit the legacy of Taku and Venomm, two Black Panther characters long left in the closet, in a tale of love and redemption!

Check out all five stunning MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 covers and interior artwork from each story now and celebrate Pride with Marvel Comics on June 22! For more information including a word from this year’s creators, visit Marvel.com.

ACTUM PUBLIC STRATEGY

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Actum LLC, the fastest growing public strategy firm in the United States, today announces Ruben Diaz Jr. has joined the company as Co-Chair.

The former Bronx Borough President and New York State Assemblymember brings unprecedented experience and a deep network to Actum’s leadership team and valuable guidance on the inner workings of government for clients.

As Co-Chair, Diaz Jr. adds to Actum’s formidable capabilities in government, communications and activation of communities of color and will offer key insight into the political landscape of New York and across the country.

“Actum is building an extraordinary platform that drives outcomes for clients while elevating the voices of communities of color. In less than a year, it has established itself as a global powerhouse, a direct result of its strong core values and quality people leading each client engagement. I am honored to join this team and help the company grow,” said Ruben Diaz Jr.

“Ruben was a transformational Borough President who united diverse communities to usher in a new era for the Bronx. Thanks to that work, the borough is today a booming global destination. His leadership, vision, and bridge-building skills will be an asset to Actum, which has quickly established itself as one of the leading coalition builders in Black and Brown communities. We are happy to welcome Ruben to our team,” said Rachel Noerdlinger, Partner at Actum.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ruben to our team and know he will make an immediate impact on our company and clients. Actum’s strategists have served in the highest levels of government, media and business and translate that high level experience to outcomes for clients. Ruben’s addition to our team is further evidence that we are building something different at Actum,” said Michael McKeon, Partner at Actum.

“I am happy to congratulate Ruben on this incredible opportunity. He is already a force in the Black and Brown community and my brother will continue to build opportunities for us in his role as Chairman at Actum,” said Fat Joe, hip hop legend, Bronx community advocate and longtime friend of the Borough President.

“Ruben is a tremendous addition to the Actum team. He is an icon in the Bronx and a respected statesman in national politics. The same innovation and creativity he brought to the Borough President’s office will bring real value to Actum and its clients,” said Antonio Villaraigosa, Co-Chair at Actum and former Mayor of Los Angeles.

“Actum’s national Black and Brown public affairs team, led by Rachel Noerdlinger and supported by Fabian Nunez, Antonio Villaraigosa and a cadre of young, talented professionals, just got even stronger with Ruben’s addition,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who earlier this year tapped Diaz as a board member for the National Action Network. “Whether it is standing up for the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico who endured generational damage from Navy bombing exercises, fighting for justice for the family of Amadou Diallo, or moving the Bronx forward as a City and State elected official, Ruben makes a difference in whatever endeavor he undertakes. His hiring solidifies Actum’s position as the go-to team for public affairs.”

About Actum

Actum is not a public affairs company, or a PR firm, or a lobbying shop. Actum is a global consulting firm, built to deliver highly meaningful and measurable outcomes for our clients around the world. Our capabilities in strategy, management, execution, communications, government relations, storytelling and narrative development, digital and social media, advocacy mobilization, special groups, political consulting, public opinion research and data, are all best in class, because our people are best in class. For our clients, we provide seasoned and experienced advisors and partners, from the highest levels of government, media, business, advocacy, politics, technology and special groups, who will lead teams of subject matter experts to deliver exceptional, measurable value and outcomes.

Marvel – Pride Month

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Marvel Comics is proud to celebrate Pride Month this year with a monumental giant-sized one-shot showcasing some of comics’ most iconic LGBTQAI+ heroes in an incredible range of stories by LGBTQAI+ superstars and emerging talent! Today, fans can get their first look at a brand-new variant cover for 2022’s MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE drawn by superstar artist Olivier Coipel. Once again lending his acclaimed talents to Marvel’s Pride Month celebration, Coipel’s extraordinary cover showcases three of Marvel’s most prominent LGBTQAI+ heroes: The mutant speedster and first openly gay Marvel hero Northstar, divine warrior Angela, and breakout Young Avenger and star of the upcoming DEFENDERS BEYOND, America Chavez.

Check out Coipel’s uplifting piece below and stay tuned next week for a sneak peek at MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1, including the reveal of the new hero debuting in its pages! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Addison Grace – Immaturing

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Salt Lake City-based musician and TikTok star Addison Grace finally releases his highly anticipated debut EP, Immaturing, along with its fourth single, “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” out now. In addition to the five-track EP, Addison Grace will hit the road beginning this August across the U.S. on his debut headline tour with support from Sydney Rose on all dates, and Kate Stephenson and Leanna Firestone on select dates. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

On the rock-leaning, Cameron Hale-produced (Claud, Neon Trees, Khalid) “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” Addison Grace questions and challenges traditions like marriage and a picket fence, and gets sick of swiping to find love. Instead, Grace hopes for more out of life than just what might be expected of him and refuses to live a mundane, ordinary life. Beginning at age 18, Grace illustrates what they don’t want to be doing at ages 23 and 43, singing, “I don’t wanna be 23 / with a white picket fence / no job and no degree / if that’s in then / I don’t wanna fall in love / love, love, love, love / I don’t wanna be 43 / living half my life, nothing to show of me / if that’s it, if that’s it / maybe, maybe it’s just me.”

“I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” challenges the societal idea that one needs love to find happiness, that perhaps one might be better off prioritizing self-love, and finding joy within one’s self instead of searching for it in others. It’s a track that came to Grace unexpectedly with the help of producer and songwriter Luke Arens and the aforementioned Cameron Hale. Grace explains, “IDWFIL was a song I never expected to write! It started as a song that was about being frustrated about not being able to find love but then, with Luke Arens help, it turned into a song about wanting to find joy in being ‘just you’ and hating that society tells you that you need love to find happiness,” says Grace. “Cameron Hale, the producer, helped me make it the angsty pump-up song I needed and wanted it to be. I guess overall I never expected this song to exist but I’m unbelievably happy it does now and I think a lot of others will be happy too.”

Grace could not be more ready to bring listeners into the warm, approachable world they’ve built with Immaturing. Grace explains, “I’ve been so excited to finish and release this set of songs and finally have my first official EP! Immaturing started as a group of independent songs that somehow ended up perfectly telling what it feels like to grow up. While the order of the songs plays a key role—each song still has its own feel, its own story, and I hope everyone can find their own way to relate regardless of where they are in life. This is, quite literally, my teenage and young adulthood told in music form.”

The EP’s previous three singles have each been met with praise from a slew of leading tastemakers and garnered millions of streams. The second single from the EP, “Makes Me Sick,” also produced by Hale, caught the attention of Billboard, who wrote, “The result is a heartbreaking anthem dedicated to self-sabotage, where Grace details their exploits in navigating the lovesick feeling they’re caught in. EUPHORIA lauded, “What makes ‘Makes Me Sick’ a highlight of Grace’s discography is its raw and honest vulnerability into something as complex and deeply felt like love. It’s a song for the people who have been hurt in the past; the ones who are unsure of if they deserve better treatment by whoever comes along next.”

Vulnerable fan-favorite and lead single from the EP, “I Wanna Be A Boy,” allows Grace to discover more of themselves and their gender identity, amassing over 1.4 million streams on Spotify alone. Glasse Factory wrote, “I Wanna Be a Boy” is immensely touching in both writing and sound. Grace’s hard-earned ability of singing shines beautifully in every second of the track, as he speaks about who he wishes he was, and coming to terms with the difficulty of acceptance.” TREMG called the track, “a tender exploration of identity over an acoustic guitar and thumping beat.”

Immaturing via Leigh Greaney for Big Hassle Media for use by 360 Magazine

CeeLo Green Tour

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Grammy artist CeeLo Green also known as the “Soul Machine” is announcing today his upcoming James Brown Tribute Tour entitled “Soul Brotha #100” with his first date this Friday April 29th, 2022 in New Orleans at the Jazz & Heritage Festival. CeeLo will be honoring the legacy and musical genius of his idol James Brown with an unbelievable 75-minute set of 27 hit songs including classics like Superbad, I Feel Good, Man’s World, Sex Machine along with Green’s hits Forget You, Crazy, Bright Lights, Fool For You and many more familiar anthems.

“I’ve always felt deeply connected to James Brown on a musical level and beyond – He’s been a mentor, teacher and literally a godfather to me throughout my career and I remain humble as I embark upon this embodiment. I’ve been studying the era to perfect the show and also James Brown’s archive to make this moment authentic, and a real dedication to what he gave to us and every generation that follows. Together, let’s turn this into the ultimate experience and celebration of James Brown and real music all over,” states CeeLo Green.

More than just a concert, CeeLo Green has curated an elaborate wardrobe that reflects James Brown’s true extravagant style that is similar to Green’s statement looks. Additionally, CeeLo has carefully sifted through video footage from Brown’s estate and this very special video content will be threaded throughout this musical experience that CeeLo has been working on for over a year.

The idea for the tour came to life after CeeLo started spending extended time in Augusta, GA – the home of James Brown. He was asked by Paine College, a historical black university in Augusta, to be a visiting Professor of Music and Ambassador of International Arts & Culture. CeeLo teaches a class on-campus once a month, with a personalized approach, to educate students on the music industry at large and the history of music along with other related topics. His charitable efforts and time spent at Paine and in Augusta have been recognized and celebrated by James Brown’s family. Additionally, because of his new role at Paine among other efforts, CeeLo is receiving the “Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism” award on May 21st by the Global International Alliance University, a non-profit organization and international consortium of university lecturers and researchers whose aim it is to provide a collaborative platform for academic research, analysis and development and to explore leading practices, best practices as well as to develop missing practices.

Below is a full list of tour dates for “Soul Brotha #100” and please visit CeeLo Green’s various social media pages for updates, new announcements throughout the tour, and additional one-off performances that will be announced throughout the year.

Kay Flock – Shake It

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Today, New York City drill star Kay Flock drops “Shake It,” an energetic new anthem for the Boogie Down Bronx. On “Shake It,” Kay Flock recruits Dougie B, Bory300, and the one and only hustler Cardi B to round out the Bronx quartet. They combine their styles fusing raw lyricism over a rapid drill beat to create a track that echoes the spirit of their hometown.

The RingRing Visuals and Jochi Saca directed video was filmed across their neighborhood’s staple City Island and includes a cameo from fellow drill rapper B-Lovee. Listen to “Shake It” HERE and watch the video HERE.

Kay Flock kicks off “Shake It” unleashing his signature gruff as he glides across the Elias Beats-produced beat. Dougie B and Bory300 join the mix adding their own drill flavors trading off bars in the confident chorus Cardi B takes the crescendo verse, letting loose emphatic bars challenging any would-be rivals. She mandates “Try to play me, you know I perform.”

The hasty “Shake It” visual channels the tenacious bond and pride of the Bronx residents. Dougie B, Bory300 and Carid B collectively rally their borough dancing by City Island’s Firehouse deli in a night-out celebration. The video includes a mural of Kay Flock along with cameos from his friends and family.

Last year Kay Flock released his critically acclaimed debut project The D.O.A. Tape, which featured standout tracks from G Herbo assisting on “Being Honest” to “Is Ya Ready,” which was named one of The New York Times’ best songs of 2021. The accolades continue to rack up for Kay Flock with Billboard, Pitchfork, XXL, HotNewHipHop, No Jumper, and more labeling him an artist to watch. To date, Kay Flock has amassed over 250 million streams

About Kay Flock

Kay Flock’s vision of drill music feels raw and free-spirited with an unburdened, electrifying take on his city’s sound. The New York rapper has spent the last couple years making tracks that bring some of the movements strongest future stars together while amplifying his own, pitching drill as collaborative, energetic, and most of all, alive.

His raps, captured in street smashes like “Brotherly Love,” featuring fellow Bronx MCs B-Lovee and Dougie B, demonstrate the thrill of the ecstatic genre. Every bar is spit with the pedal pressed all the way to the floor. In ways, his rise is similar to other New York drill artists, climbing from humble beginnings to the verge of the mainstream, but Kay Flock hails from the Bronx, a neighborhood that hasn’t so far produced the genres stars. He grew up in a rugged environment he describes as “dangerous” and, as a teenager, found escape in Brooklyn drill as well as the music of Chicago rappers like King Von.

In the Bronx, Flock made lifelong friends in B-Lovee and Dougie B who, in 2020, introduced him to recording. Almost immediately, you could recognize Flock’s unmistakable talent and his city did. Early singles like “Being Honest” and “Is Ya Ready” put Kay Flock on the map. Now, Flock has emerged as the Bronx’s and arguably New York City’s hottest new rapper. Even as Flock’s star rises, and the co-signs roll in from The New York Times, Pitchfork, No Jumper, Billboard, XXL and artists from Cardi B, G Herbo, Lil Tjay, Meek Mill, Fivio Foreign and he doesn’t plan to switch up. He’s staying true to himself.

Ontario’s Online Gambling Market Launches in April

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Ontario’s government has officially launched its first phase of the province’s new regulation scheme for online gambling. In a news release, the government says the law will regulate online gambling in a manner similar to brick-and-mortar sites and will give “a safe and responsible path to a more dynamic industry.” The law allows commercial online gambling in the province for the first time. The Progressive Conservative government says it also has several announcements planned for the coming days, including details about the upcoming launch of an online games room, a new provincial licensing regime for casinos, and an investment agreement for an online poker site. Starting from April, gamblers can enjoy a safe and risk-free gambling experience at top casinos from CasinoLuck.ca ratings and reviews.

Government of Ontario Supports Growth of Industry and Protects Ontario Players

Gambling online has exploded in Ontario in the past two years, and the provincial government has introduced a system of regulation and oversight to ensure that consumers have a safe and responsible path to a more dynamic industry. The first phase of the law went into effect on April, 4 and allows licensed commercial online gambling.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan stated:

“This legislation will introduce significant new revenues into Ontario’s gaming and economic development strategy while protecting the integrity of Ontario’s gaming operations. Regulating online gambling in Ontario as it does in Ontario brick-and-mortar casinos will ensure that the government has the right tools to protect Ontario’s people from criminals and that gaming is conducted in a manner that is fair to all Ontarians. I thank all those who have worked hard to make this important and significant change in Ontario’s gaming policy.”

The legislation received Royal Assent will provide Ontario-licensed online gambling companies with a regulated business environment, which includes an independent regulator, licensing, taxation, and consumer protections. The new framework aligns Ontario’s regulatory policies and approaches with those of other jurisdictions. This is something that a well-versed casino veteran Mason Barrington believes to bring the online gambling segment in Canada to a new level. Being an experienced gambler, Mason knows what he is saying.

The government’s regulation of online gambling includes the following statements:

A new independent Gambling Commissioner will be responsible for ensuring that the integrity of Ontario’s licensed online gambling activities is maintained and protected;
The OAG (Ontario’s Anti-Gambling Enforcement Unit) will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to use online gambling to commit fraud or money laundering;
Regulations will ensure fair and consistent rules and policies are applied to online gambling and are administered independently from licensed online gambling operators;
The government will invest $70 million annually into the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for the next four years and will increase those revenues to $130 million annually;
Revenues from the new online gambling system will be used for things like health care and education. Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the country to guarantee that revenue from a regulated online gambling system goes to health care and education;
The province will collect at least $30 million annually from fees paid by online gambling companies;
Ontario’s legal age to gamble online will be set at 18 years.

Starting from April, licensed online gambling companies are allowed to offer internet-based gambling activities in Ontario. Licensed online gambling companies can provide their products and services under the existing regulations set by the OLG and other gambling companies. They will need to comply with the existing rules which include:

Minimum age of 18 years to gamble online;
No player can receive the same cash payment for the same product more than once;
Payment to players must be in accordance with a players bank account;
Licensed online casinos must comply with the Gambling Bill and with the OLG Code;
All online gambling services must be independently administered, regulated, and audited by an approved independent audit firm.

Gambling companies operating in Ontario must submit their application and receive their licenses prior to February 1, 2012.

Gaming Minister Christine Elliott noted:

“Since online gambling has grown into a $3.7 billion industry in Ontario, we knew we had to act to protect players and bring fairness and responsibility into Ontario’s online gambling industry. As a result of the extensive consultations, we have had with both industry players and gaming experts, and the careful considerations we have taken into account, the government has adopted the online gambling policy we believe is best in the province.”

Online gambling is the fastest-growing segment of the gaming industry in Ontario. As the government’s policy is consistent with similar legislation implemented by the government in other jurisdictions, this new legal framework will provide a safe and responsible pathway for online gambling in Ontario. This is the next phase of Ontario’s policy development for the emerging online gaming industry.

The government also is announcing several important announcements in the coming days:

In response to concerns from consumers and retailers, the government will be announcing a new initiative that will set a minimum retail price for video lottery tickets and online games in Ontario. This will allow retailers to offer the same price for their products, but with a minimum price to ensure consumers are able to access these games. Retailers have expressed concerns that the minimum price for games will not apply to brick-and-mortar casinos in the province. The government will be announcing a new voluntary agreement that allows brick-and-mortar casinos to sell products at a fixed price in a retail format.

The government will also be announcing plans to provide a safe environment for online poker in the province. A government-appointed Independent Advisory Board will be established and will conduct an independent review of the industry. The Board will examine issues, such as the regulation of online poker, gambling addiction, and the effectiveness of self-exclusion policies, and will make recommendations to the government on a regulatory approach for online poker, including the licensing of new companies and the continued operation of existing companies. The Advisory Board will also be developing a strategy for a new Ontario online games room, which is expected to be launched early next year.

Final Say

Ontario’s new regulations for online gambling are consistent with those in place in other jurisdictions. In the province, revenues will be invested in health care and education. Gambling-related revenues will be collected and controlled by the Ministry of Finance and distributed as required by law. The government will maintain an annual review of the new system to ensure that it meets the needs of the Ontario economy and to protect the integrity of the gaming sector.

Ontario is currently one of the most competitive jurisdictions for online gambling in North America. The local government’s modernized gaming regulations will ensure that Ontario will continue to lead the way as the province that develops and regulates a safe and dynamic online gambling industry.

Jackson Makes History

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Thursday April 7 will be remembered as one of the most historic days in American history as Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman confirmed to serve upon the highest court of the United States. In a 53-to-47 vote, Judge Jackson was confirmed a place upon the Supreme Court as nominated by President Joe Biden in February.

Judge Jackson becomes only the eighth person to sit upon the Supreme Court that has not been a White man. The confirmation continues to make history as this will be the firs time that we see four women upon the court and the majority of justices is not White men.

Of the 53 that voted in favor of Biden’s nomination, three Republican senators joined Democrats in support of Judge Jackson. Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah. Despite Republicans loathing and attempting to prolong the voting process, Judge Jackson was confirmed to replace Justice Stephen Breyer once he officially steps down.

Republican Senator Rand Paul attempted to halt the vote while being the only senator not in attendance for the voting. He stalled the decision from being finalized, and he voted from the cloakroom out of dress code.

When asked about Paul’s lack of dress code for the vote, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated, “I will tell you I’m not spending a lot of time, nor is the president (Joe Biden), thinking about the dress code of Rand Paul today, […] We’re thinking about the historic confirmation of an eminently qualified Black woman to serve on SCOTUS. I’m not really worried about his khakis.”

On April 8, inbound Justice Jackson participated in a ceremony on the lawn of the White House, where she spoke to the weight of the confirmation. The former federal appellate judge spoke to the history that was made the day prior.

Judge Jackson stated, “It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, but we’ve made it – we’ve made it – all of us, all of us.”

President and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American woman to hold the title, spoke at the ceremony together while stating, “We’re going to look back and see this as a moment of real change in American history.”

Judge Jackson referenced the late Maya Angelou, another historic Black woman, when speaking about what this confirmation means to the Black community, while stating, “‘Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave,'”

“In my family, it took just one generation to go from segregation to the Supreme Court of the United States.”

Let that sink in.

Written by: McKinley Franklin